How Commission-Only Jobs Can Increase the Risk of Substance Use Disorder
Key Takeaways
- Jobs that solely pay on commission can make work conditions worse, which can lead to more stress and a higher risk of substance use disorder.
- When people work on commission, they may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with stress and uncertainty about their income.
- To lower the risks of substance abuse and mental health problems among employees, it is highly important to promote workplace supports and rehabilitation programs.
- The connection between recovery and positive employment outcomes highlights the importance of having supportive workplaces.
- Knowing about the dangers and help available at work helps lower the chances of developing alcohol use disorders and other types of substance abuse.
Introduction
People generally like commission-only employment because it promises big pay, dependent on how well you do your work. However, these jobs can also exacerbate negative work conditions by creating unstable income, setting high-pressure sales goals, and making employees feel like they might lose their jobs. These factors increase stress, which has been connected to the development of substance use disorder. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, stress at work can make people turn to drugs or alcohol to cope.
Unpredictable income in commission-based jobs can also make anxiety and depression worse. Workers who don’t know how much money they’ll make may be more likely to use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate, especially if their company doesn’t offer any help. Research on the occupational health of young employees indicates that work-related pressures directly impact mental well-being and may elevate the risks of substance abuse (Karasek et al., 2022).
How Do Dangers At Work Make People Use Drugs?
Certain workplace hazards and supports can significantly influence employee behavior. There is a greater chance of drug use in high-pressure workplaces that lack clear guidance or programs for promoting workplace wellness. Additionally, workplaces without social support or flexibility might make employees feel isolated, which increases the likelihood of drug and alcohol abuse.
The CDC NIOSH Science Blog notes that workplaces that actively support employees in recovery can greatly lower the chance of relapse from drugs. When employees can access mental health care, learn stress management, and follow structured recovery programs, the role of the workplace in reducing substance use becomes evident.
What Types Of Substances Are Most Common In Stressful Jobs?
Employees in high-stress, commission-only jobs often turn to various forms of substance use. This can include alcohol use, misuse of prescription medication, or illicit drug use. Patterns of substance abuse and mental health problems among employees are influenced by both individual vulnerabilities and the culture of the workplace.
What Can Organizations Do To Lower The Chance Of People Relapsing From Drugs?
A healthy work environment is critical for preventing relapse from drugs. Employers can support their employees through flexible scheduling, employee assistance programs, and access to cognitive-behavioral therapy (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Program) services.
Additionally, educating employees about alcohol use disorders, providing access to expert counseling, and openly discussing drug or alcohol risks all help mitigate hazards in high-stress roles. Employers who prioritize the health of their employees are supporting recovery, which is associated with positive employment outcomes, thereby fostering both wellness and productivity.
How Can Employees Protect Themselves?
Employees can take proactive steps to reduce risks associated with commission-only jobs. Maintaining social support networks, seeking therapy for stress management, and avoiding the use of drugs as a coping mechanism are essential strategies.
For those already struggling with substance use disorder, early intervention and structured treatment programs are critical. Employees can explore specialized alcohol addiction and rehab programs to prevent escalation and support mental health recovery.
Conclusion
Commission-only jobs carry inherent challenges that can lead to substance use disorder and increase the likelihood of relapse from drugs. Promoting workplace wellness, providing access to therapy, and understanding the association of the workplace with mental health are crucial to preventing drug or alcohol misuse.
For employees struggling with substance abuse, Virtue Recovery Houston offers comprehensive support programs designed to foster recovery associated with positive employment. Visit us for personalized treatment and guidance at Virtue Recovery Houston or call us at 713-234-6254.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a disorder that makes you use drugs?
A substance use disorder is a condition in which using a drug or alcohol makes it difficult to perform daily tasks, work, and maintain relationships, potentially leading to physical and mental dependence.
Can high-stress jobs really trigger relapse from drugs?
Yes. Negative work conditions like inconsistent pay or high-pressure targets can increase stress and cause relapse from drugs if employees lack proper support.
What role does therapy play in preventing substance abuse?
Programs like cognitive-behavioral therapy provide employees with skills to manage stress, handle workplace pressure, and reduce drug or alcohol misuse.
Do commission-only workers often face alcohol problems?
High-pressure, commission-based workplaces can lead to alcohol use as a coping mechanism, increasing the risk of alcohol use disorders.
How can companies support employees in recovery?
Employers can promote recovery by offering wellness programs, ensuring safer work conditions, and providing access to abuse and mental health services, thereby helping to prevent relapse and improve workplace outcomes.
Citations
Occupational Safety and Health Administration. “Workplace Stress.” U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA, n.d., https://www.osha.gov/workplace-stress.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Workplace Supported Recovery: New NIOSH Research Addresses SUDs.” NIOSH Science Blog, 30 Nov. 2022, https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2022/11/30/workplace-supported-recovery.
Karasek, Robert, et al. “Work Stressors and Occupational Health of Young Employees.” Frontiers in Public Health, vol. 10, 2022, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9088676.
